Abstract: A packing element for use in a heat exchange or mass transfer tower includes a barrel and a plurality of fins spaced around a circumference of the barrel, each fin having a height approximately equal to a height of the barrel and a length extending radially from the barrel, a proximate end of each fin attached perpendicularly to the barrel. A protrusion extends outward from the distal end or each fin along its height. A method for mass transfer includes passing fluids through a vessel packed with randomly arranged packing elements.

Abstract: Techniques for debinding additively fabricated parts are described that do not require solvent debinding or catalytic debinding, and that may be performed using only thermal debinding in a furnace. As a result, in at least some cases debinding and sintering may take place sequentially within a single furnace. In some embodiments, the techniques may utilize particular materials as binders that allow for a thermal debinding process that does not negatively affect the parts.

Abstract: Techniques for debinding additively fabricated parts are described that do not require solvent debinding or catalytic debinding, and that may be performed using only thermal debinding in a furnace. As a result, in at least some cases debinding and sintering may take place sequentially within a single furnace. In some embodiments, the techniques may utilize particular materials as binders that allow for a thermal debinding process that does not negatively affect the parts.

Abstract: A heat transfer media that provides more complete and more even use of the media volume by enhancing the characteristics and/or directions of fluid flow across the media. The heat transfer media includes a heat transfer block having one or more layers that include longitudinal flow passages for enabling fluid flow in the longitudinal direction across each layer, and also include transverse flow passage for enabling lateral cross-flow between the longitudinal flow passages. The heat transfer block may include a plurality of stackable plates, with each plate having fins laterally spaced apart to define longitudinally extending channels, and at least one aperture extending transversely through at least one fin for enabling transverse cross-flow between the longitudinal channels. The aperture may be configured as a recessed groove in the fin, and the fin may have ridge portions longitudinally spaced apart to at least partially define the recessed groove.

Abstract: A proppant is formed by a method including inserting a plurality of particles into a heating device, such as a rotary tunnel kiln. The particles are heated at a first temperature within the heating device. A non-epoxy, non-urethane thermoset coating is heated to at least its melting point or dissolved in a solvent or both, and sprayed into the heating device and onto the particles. The particles are heated to a second temperature, higher than the first temperature.

Abstract: This invention relates to impact absorbing foams. These foams comprise a polymeric foam and ceramic particulates dispersing the foam. These foams have numerous uses, including, for example, as interior pads for football helmets, and the like, for reducing head injuries.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition comprising: ceramic refractory particulates made from alumina, one or more rare earth oxides, one or more oxides of a transition metal, the transition metal being Sc, Zn, Ga, Y, Cd, In, Sn, Tl, or a mixture of two or more thereof; an alumina and phosphate containing composition; and water. The composition is free of SiO2 or substantially free of SiO2, and is useful as a mortar or coating for molten aluminum or steel contact refractories.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition comprising: ceramic refractory particulates made from alumina, one or more rare earth oxides, one or more oxides of a transition metal, the transition metal being Sc, Zn, Ga, Y, Cd, In, Sn, Tl, or a mixture of two or more thereof; an alumina and phosphate containing composition; and water. The composition is free of SiO2 or substantially free of SiO2, and is useful as a mortar or coating for molten aluminum or steel contact refractories.

Abstract: This invention relates to impact absorbing foams. These foams comprise a polymeric foam and ceramic particulates dispersing the foam. These foams have numerous uses, including, for example, as interior pads for football helmets, and the like, for reducing head injuries.

Abstract: This invention relates to impact absorbing foams. These foams comprise a polymeric foam and ceramic particulates dispersing the foam. These foams have numerous uses, including, for example, as interior pads for football helmets, and the like, for reducing head injuries.

Abstract: A proppant is formed by a method including inserting a plurality of particles into a heating device, such as a rotary tunnel kiln. The particles are heated at a first temperature within the heating device. A non-epoxy, non-urethane thermoset coating is heated to at least its melting point or dissolved in a solvent or both, and sprayed into the heating device and onto the particles. The particles are heated to a second temperature, higher than the first temperature.

Abstract: This invention relates to impact absorbing foams. These foams comprise a polymeric foam and ceramic particulates dispersing the foam. These foams have numerous uses, including, for example, as interior pads for football helmets, and the like, for reducing head injuries.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition comprising: ceramic refractory particulates made from alumina, one or more rare earth oxides, one or more oxides of a transition metal, the transition metal being Sc, Zn, Ga, Y, Cd, In, Sn, Tl, or a mixture of two or more thereof; an alumina and phosphate containing composition; and water. The composition is free of SiO2 or substantially free of SiO2, and is useful as a mortar or coating for molten aluminum or steel contact refractories.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a reinforced ceramic refractory made from an as-batched composition comprising alumina; a rare earth oxide; an oxide of a transition metal comprising Sc, Zn, Ga, Y, Cd, In, Sn, Tl or a mixture of two or more thereof; and chopped ceramic fibers containing nanofibrils; the refractory exhibiting a modulus of rupture measured at 2500° F. (1371° C.) of at least about 2500 psi, as determined by the test method ASTM C583. A process for making the reinforced ceramic refractory is disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a refractory made from an as-batched composition comprising alumina, a rare earth oxide, and optionally an oxide of a transition metal comprising Sc, Zn, Ga, Y, Cd, In, Sn, Tl or a mixture of two or more thereof, the refractory being characterized by the absence of SiO2 or a concentration of SiO2 of no more than about 0.2% by weight.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to ceramic matrix composites with ceramic fiber reinforcements.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a reinforced ceramic refractory made from an as-batched composition comprising alumina; a rare earth oxide; an oxide of a transition metal comprising Sc, Zn, Ga, Y, Cd, In, Sn, Tl or a mixture of two or more thereof; and chopped ceramic fibers containing nanofibrils; the refractory exhibiting a modulus of rupture measured at 2500° F. (1371° C.) of at least about 2500 psi, as determined by the test method ASTM C583. A process for making the reinforced ceramic refractory is disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a ceramic composite, comprising: reinforcement fibers, the reinforcement fibers comprising alumina, zirconia or magnesium silicate; the reinforcement fibers containing microcracking; and deposits derived from a sol comprising alumina or zirconia and optionally a rare earth oxide reacted with the reinforcement fibers. A process for making the composite is also disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to ceramic matrix composites with ceramic fiber reinforcements.